Patient Access Specialist

Overview

Compensation

Starting pay: $19.00 to $20.00 per hour

Starting pay is based on experience, qualifications, internal equity, and local market conditions.

Chestnut offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your career and your well-being, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement with company match, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and career advancement.

Overview

Be the first connection on someone''s path to care.

Every phone call has the potential to change a life.

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a compassionate, organized, and customer-focused Patient Access Specialist to serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking behavioral health and primary care services.

In this role, you''ll help connect people with the care they need by answering calls, gathering information, scheduling appointments, providing resources, and ensuring every interaction reflects empathy, professionalism, and respect.

If you enjoy helping others, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and take pride in delivering outstanding customer service, we''d love to meet you.

Why You''ll Love This Role

• Make a meaningful impact by helping individuals access healthcare services when they need them most.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to improving lives and strengthening communities.
• Join a collaborative team that values compassion, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.
• Build valuable experience in behavioral health, integrated healthcare, and patient access.
• Receive ongoing training, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Work in an environment where every conversation has the opportunity to make a positive difference.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls professionally while creating a welcoming, recovery-oriented experience for every individual.
• Schedule appointments and accurately collect demographic, insurance, and referral information.
• Assist callers in navigating available programs, services, and community resources.
• Enter and maintain accurate information within the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Verify demographic, insurance, and financial information while maintaining confidentiality.
• Coordinate communication with clinical staff to support timely access to care.
• Monitor incoming referrals, documentation, and scheduling requests.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required reports and documentation.
• Participate in training, quality improvement initiatives, and department meetings.
• Promote Chestnut''s commitment to outstanding customer service and maintain confidentiality of all client and organizational information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Candidates may qualify through one of the following pathways:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience providing excellent customer service in healthcare, behavioral health, human services, call center, medical office, scheduling, or a related environment preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate while managing multiple priorities.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to learn electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other healthcare software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service while maintaining confidentiality.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks.

Benefits

• Chestnut offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth, including:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development and continuing education
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the organization

check out our benefits here!

About Chestnut

Since 1973, Chestnut Health Systems has been improving lives through integrated behavioral health, primary care, substance use treatment, prevention, research, and community partnerships.

Today, more than 800 compassionate employees serve individuals and families throughout Illinois and Missouri. Our interdisciplinary teams deliver trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care that integrates behavioral health, primary care, dental, and community-based services to improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.

At Chestnut, you''ll find more than a job. You''ll become part of a team that believes every interaction matters and every person deserves compassionate, high-quality care.

Additional Information

Think you''d be a great fit but don''t meet every qualification?

Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you''re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn''t perfectly match every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We''d love to learn more about your unique experiences and how you can contribute to our mission.

To be considered, applicants must attach a resume, complete the application, and answer all screening questions.

Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

EOE - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled